Transformers generate heat due to iron and copper losses, requiring efficient heat dissipation to prevent overheating, primarily through conduction, convection, and radiation. Cooling transformers is more complex than cooling rotating machines due to the lack of moving parts, with oil being a preferred coolant for its thermal properties and electrical insulation. Various cooling methods are categorized by the cooling agent and circulation method, including oil-immersed and air cooling techniques tailored to different transformer sizes and load capacities.
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Cooling of TF
Transformers generate heat due to iron and copper losses, requiring efficient heat dissipation to prevent overheating, primarily through conduction, convection, and radiation. Cooling transformers is more complex than cooling rotating machines due to the lack of moving parts, with oil being a preferred coolant for its thermal properties and electrical insulation. Various cooling methods are categorized by the cooling agent and circulation method, including oil-immersed and air cooling techniques tailored to different transformer sizes and load capacities.
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Introduction to Heat Transfer in Transformers
Transformers generate heat due to iron losses and copper
losses during operation. This heat must be dissipated efficiently to prevent overheating and ensure reliable performance. The heat transfer occurs through three primary mechanisms: The primary methods of heat transfer involved are: • Conduction: Heat transfer through the solid parts of the transformer, such as the core, windings, and insulation. • Convection: Heat transfer from the transformer's surface to a coolant fluid (like oil or air), causing the fluid to circulate. • Radiation: Heat transfer through electromagnetic waves from the transformer to its surroundings
Transformer Cooling Challenges
Cooling transformers is more challenging than cooling rotating machines because transformers lack moving parts to assist coolant circulation Natural Circulation in Oil-Cooled Transformers • Oil inside transformer absorbs heat through conduction from windings and core. • Heated oil becomes lighter and rises. • It moves to radiators or external surfaces, where air or water removes the heat. • As it cools, it contracts and sinks, completing the circulation loop. Oil is chosen because it: • Has high thermal expansion, enhancing circulation. • Is a good electrical insulator, adding an extra safety layer. The cooling methods are categorized by the cooling agent used (oil, air, or water) and the circulation method (natural or forced). Here's a breakdown of the cooling methods discussed: • Oil Immersed, Oil Cooling: o ONAN (Oil Natural Air Natural): This method uses natural circulation of oil and air to cool the transformer and is common for transformers up to 5 MVA. o ONAF (Oil Natural Air Forced): This method is similar to ONAN, but uses fans to force air circulation when the temperature rises. This allows the transformer to handle higher loads than with ONAN alone. o OFAF (Oil Forced Air Forced): This method uses pumps for forced oil circulation and fans for forced air circulation, providing more effective cooling for higher-rated transformers. o ONWF (Oil Natural Water Forced): This method uses natural oil circulation and forced water circulation through cooling coils inside the transformer tank. o OFWF (Oil Forced Water Forced): This method uses both forced oil and water circulation with an external heat exchanger to cool the transformer. • Air Cooling: o AN (Air Natural): This method uses natural air circulation to cool the transformer and is suitable for smaller transformers up to 1.5 MVA. o AF (Air Forced): This method uses forced air circulation to improve heat dissipation and is used for transformers up to 3 MVA